Donated aid being traded for cash, goods

Bags of wheat flour and tins of cooking oil bearing the logos of international aid agencies being sold in Peshawar.


Reuters September 05, 2010

MEHMOOD KOT: Crime and the sale of donated aid supplies are undermining flood aid efforts. Bags of wheat flour and tins of cooking oil bearing the logos of international aid agencies like the World Food Programme and USAID are openly being sold in Peshawar.

“We buy them (relief goods) from (flood) survivors,” said shopkeeper Abdul Ghafoor, who owns a shop in Gur Mandi. “They get money (in return) and buy something else which they need…This cannot happen without the knowledge of officials,” said another shopkeeper, Rahimullah Khan. “Survivors (simply) cannot bring a truck full of supplies without them knowing.”

One Reuters reporter saw wheat flour being unloaded in a market from a truck labeled ‘Relief Goods for Flood Affected People, from Islamic Relief’.

The goods are then sold at cheaper rates. “I can buy a 50kg bag of flour for Rs300 less than the going rate.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2010.

COMMENTS (3)

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 13 years ago | Reply It is disgusting and very disturbing that the aid pouring in from foreign countries is being sold in the markets. I am sure that this is not being done with the consent of the government in KP. There are many who are siting outside the government with political affiliations are involved in this business. We must not forget that Police in all the provinces are the most corrupt organization and without its help no one can dare openly do all this in such high level. What message are we sending to the outside world ??? Where are other people from different agencies who are keeping close watch on the distribution of these aid items and also those who are suppose to be hunting for anti-social elements ??? It is time for the ruling elite and its appointed administrative set up to come heavily on these people who ever they may be. The country is already gripped in so many scandals, can we afford this on International Level.
Yasser | 13 years ago | Reply 10% 10% 10% or 50% 50% 50% Transparency report published that KP govt led by ANP is most corrupt, i don't think after above reporting we need more thinking,
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